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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

Jillian Ju

Jillian Ju, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Jillian Ju is a junior and Arts & Entertainment editor for El Estoque. They enjoy taking long naps and eating complicated fruit, like a bear might.

All content by Jillian Ju
Senior Sudisha Kumar poses with family members for a photo after the awards ceremony. Photo | Jillian Ju

MVHS senior Sudisha Kumar wins community service award from the City of Cupertino

The CREST Rising Star award recognizes an individual who has volunteered for three years or fewer
Jillian Ju and Alan Tai
November 19, 2024
Crossword: Nov. 19, 2024 Mini

Crossword: Nov. 19, 2024 Mini

Solve EE’s mini crossword
Jillian Ju
November 19, 2024
Crossword: Nov. 11, 2024 Mini

Crossword: Nov. 11, 2024 Mini

Solve EE’s mini crossword
Jillian Ju
November 11, 2024
Sally Beaupre is a retired high school teacher and volunteer at the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum. As a docent, she gives tours to museum guests and answers questions about the Bay Area’s rich history. Photo | Isabelle Kok

The hidden history of Santa Clara

Sally Beaupre illustrates her experiences volunteering at the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum
Jillian Ju and Isabelle Kok
November 3, 2024
Created by visual artist collective Sports Banger, the album cover of “Godspeed” depicts a laying-of-hands ceremony, adding to the album’s religious themes. Warner Records | Used with permission

‘Godspeed’ blesses listeners with its revelry

The Blessed Madonna’s first album overflows with life
Jillian Ju
October 26, 2024
Even if they don't reflect an individual's gender identity, appearance and behavior play a large part in determining if someone "passes" for a particular gender. Illustration by Jillian Ju

At a passing glance

Rejecting the idea of passing can help us embrace our identities
Jillian Ju
October 23, 2024
Following 2021’s “Optimist” and a series of scattered singles, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” is FINNEAS’ second album. The music video for the title track shows FINNEAS falling down an elevator shaft and getting hit by a car, representing his emotions in a frustrating relationship. Interscope Records | Used with permission

‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’ is a far cry from fulfilling

FINNEAS’ second album is a vulnerable shot in the dark
Jillian Ju
October 16, 2024
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” despite its $200 million budget, turned out to be the worst possible fate for its already tortured characters. Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures | Used with permission

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is a double dose of pure delusion

The ‘Joker’ sequel is a pathetic shadow of its former self
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
October 8, 2024
Due to the last-minute location change, the DJs set up on the rally court stage, with students dancing and moshing in front.

Photo by Jillian Ju

MVHS holds its annual Homecoming dance in the rally court

Students and staff reflect on the dance and location change
Jillian Ju and Angela Poon
October 7, 2024
Sophomore Eddie Fan throws chalk in the air as the performers reference the “Ooh! It’s cold in here” internet trend. Photo by Jillian Ju

Class of 2027 wows the crowd as ninja stars

Sophomores emerge from the shadows with their spin on “Ninjago”
Jillian Ju and Katrina Lin
October 3, 2024
Illustration by Jillian Ju

Words for things: emodiversity

How descriptive terms can help us break into our feelings
Jillian Ju
September 27, 2024
Thrift stores, which offer secondhand items at lower prices than traditional clothing stores, have become more and more popular over the past few years. Photo illustration by Jillian Ju

The thrift shift

MVHS Community members share their experiences with thrifting
Jillian Ju and Grace Lin
September 19, 2024
History teacher Usiel Meraz-Cerna starts a lecture by introducing what Ethnic Studies hopes to cover.

Mandatory implementation of Ethnic Studies delayed until 2025-2026

As Ethnic Studies enters its second year of pilot, MVHS community members reflect on its impact
Adorned with rainbow heart stickers, a  participant of Assembly Member Haney’s parade group waves a rainbow pride flag and a bisexual flag to the beats of the parade music. Photo by Benjamin Zhang

San Francisco Pride Parade 2024

The Golden City wraps up Pride Month with its annual LGBTQIA+ parade
Jillian Ju, Isabelle Kok, and Benjamin Zhang
July 19, 2024
Some students feel as though indie music better encapsulates their emotional states and resonates with them more strongly. Illustration by Lillian Wang and Isabelle Kok

The indie in-between

Students and staff share what indie music means to them
Jillian Ju
May 24, 2024

Pedestrian protectors

Discussing the role of crossing guards in student safety
Jillian Ju, Sophia D'Sa, and Giljoon Lee
May 18, 2024
A series of diss tracks exchanged between Kendrick Lamar and Drake have captivated the public and brought new allegations against each rapper to light. Photo illustration by Jillian Ju

Diss-graced

An interactive timeline of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
May 17, 2024
Abigail (Alisha Weir) dances onstage while covered in her victims' blood. | Universal Pictures

‘Abigail’ bleeds its tired premise dry

Predictable plot, shallow characters and juvenile scripting hammer the last nail in the coffin
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
April 25, 2024
The art of losing

The art of losing

How I learned to redefine loss
Jillian Ju
April 9, 2024
"Love Lies Bleeding" brilliantly potrays complex themes of pain, identity, and love. Photo | Anna Kooris / A24

‘Love Lies Bleeding’ oozes with carnal tension and heart

Director Rose Glass’s refreshing take on the noir genre tackles impulse and intimacy with power
Jillian Ju and Giljoon Lee
March 27, 2024
Indie artist Ricky Montgomery crouches down at the front of the Regency Ballroom stage to sing to his audience. Photo courtesy of Izzy Hory @izzysconcerts. | Used with permission.

Ricky Montgomery’s 2024 tour is much more than another Rick in the wall

'The Rick Tour’s' dynamic passion and intimacy was a complete experience
Jillian Ju and Isabelle Kok
March 24, 2024
'Kung Fu Panda 4' leaves audience bored and bamboo-zled

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ leaves audience bored and bamboo-zled

A poor script and predictable plotline result in the iconic franchise’s fall from grace
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
March 13, 2024
Members of Leung’s White Crane Lion and Dragon Dance Association U.S.A. bear red and white cultural flags in the Community Street Fair prior to the parade’s kickoff.

San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade 2024

San Francisco’s annual Lunar New Year celebrations welcome the Year of the Dragon into 2024
Jillian Ju and Isabelle Kok
March 7, 2024
Students often use food and small purchases to motivate themselves to work, such as snacks and drinks. Illustration | Stella Petzova

Treat yourself

Buying small treats for self-motivation can have large impacts
Jillian Ju and Stella Petzova
March 7, 2024
“Argylle” features numerous superstars and celebrities, but none fulfill expectations

‘Argylle’ laughably fails its own mission

Matthew Vaughn’s creation proves to be too dysfunctional to be redeemed by its over-the-top comedy
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
February 6, 2024
Idols are debuting in the K-pop industry at as young as 13 years old, causing controversy among fans and critics alike. Photo Illustration | Ellie Wang

Minor concerns

Minors debuting in K-pop raise concerns among MVHS community
Jillian Ju and Ellie Wang
January 23, 2024
The facade of Tong Sui's Sunnyvale location.

Dessert Detectives: Tong Sui

Reviewing popular menu items based on quality and taste
Isabelle Kok and Jillian Ju
January 18, 2024
Indie artist Melanie Martinez's latest perfume is selling for $275, sparking outrage in fans who can't afford the steep price tag.

The total package

Exploring the relationship between musical artists, their fanbase and their merch
Jillian Ju
December 6, 2023

Bad art and the room to improve

Exploring what it means to make “bad art”
Jillian Ju and Giljoon Lee
December 2, 2023
Nathan Liu playing baseball when he was younger. | Photo courtesy of Nathan Liu

More than skin-deep

Exploring senior Nathan Liu's experiences with and beyond eczema
Jillian Ju and Varun Singh
November 1, 2023
Alumni at the reunion talking with each other at a table.

Party like it’s ’73

Looking back at the MVHS class of 1973’s 50th reunion
Jillian Ju and Mihir Vishwarupe
October 19, 2023
Analyzing how the meaning of word "love" depends on the person.

[Photo] LOVE

Dahlia Schilling and Varun Singh, Staff Writer
September 29, 2023
Examining how the word has strayed from its intended meaning

WOKE

Exploring how the word "woke" has changed over time
Jillian Ju, Staff Writer
September 29, 2023
The switch from the traditional paper SAT and PSAT exams to online has some students uneasy about possible technical difficulties.

Testing the digital divide

Examining how changes to the PSAT and SAT will affect MVHS
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